A significant project of religious infrastructure has been given the go-ahead by the Bihar government, with the news that a Tirupati Balaji temple will be erected soon in Patna. The state has allocated 10.11 acres of land in Mokama Khas, which is roughly 90 km away from the capital, to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). It has been given a 99-year lease of the land at an insignificant price of Rs 1 in a historic move to encourage religious tourism and cultural development in the area.
The offer was finally taken when the Chief Secretary of Bihar wrote a formal letter to the TTD chairman. The letter had it as a confirmation that the government was willing to assist TTD in setting up a complex of grand temples that would honour Lord Venkateswara, who had been commonly referred to as Tirupati Balaji. TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu hailed the move as highly encouraging and one that will enable devotees in the eastern region of India to receive the darshan of Balaji at a closer distance.
The temple is supposed to be built as a massive religious, cultural, and tourist centre. In addition to the primary shrine, other amenities that would be provided in the complex are pilgrims’ facilities, including a mega prayer hall, accommodation blocks, parking lots, gardens and special areas for religious activities. TTD officials are planning on visiting the site, liaising with the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) and making the layout and construction plan.
This development has both cultural and economic implications for the state of Bihar. The presence of the Tirupati Balaji temple, which is ranked among the most sacred pilgrimage centres in India, is likely to attract lakhs of the faithful annually in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Nepal. According to tourist experts, this will provide a robust boost to the hospitality industry, transport, local businesses, as well as jobs in and around Mokama and Patna.
The political aspect of the decision as well illustrates the new focus of Bihar on the growth of religious tourism and cultural identity. Over the recent years, the state has been creating several heritage and pilgrimage sites, and the introduction of a Balaji temple is another significant place of interest on its tourism map.
Within a few months, TTD and the Bihar government are likely to enter into a formal MoU and thereafter elaborate project schedules and architectural designs will be announced. Upon its completion, the temple would be one of the largest religious edifices in eastern India, which would provide a spiritual, economic and cultural boost to the area.
